May 19, 2012

Elijah Eligate (far left), Konrad Budny (second left) and others lift the trophy. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Bayonne vs Memorial Boys Volleyball Photo Gallery

JERSEY CITY –Bayonne has been considered the top volleyball team in the county since before the start of the season.

Last night served as the official coronation.

The Bees, undefeated within the county, put the finishing touches on their latest championship with a 25-15, 25-15 victory over Memorial to capture the 2012 Hudson County Boys Volleyball Tournament last at NJCU.

For top-seeded Bayonne (26-5) it is its first county crown since 2009.

"When we first started we knew everything was different," senior middle Damian Bargielski said. "We had a solid team, we're family here so it's the best thing ever."

"I think throughout the season things clicked in and we've played a lot better since the beginning of the year," said senior outside hitter Kris Kucza. "Our chemistry has been great throughout the year and we just get better. Everyone has stepped up and playing great."

That chemistry and balance was evident throughout the match for Bayonne, which was in control most of the match.

Second-seeded Memorial (18-5) kept it close for most of the opening game until the Bees pulled away late to take a 1-0 lead. Bayonne would ensure there was no such drama at the start of the second game. The Bees used a 7-1 run to build a 13-5 lead. After four-straight Tiger points, Bayonne put the lead out of reach with an 8-2 run to make it 21-11.

"We're very together and when they come together as one, no one's going to stop them," Bayonne coach Pat Longo said. "The blocks were there, the passing was great. Konrad does a great job of setting and getting all of our hitters involved. It's just everybody contributing."

Konrad Budny commanded the balanced offensive attack with 18 assists, seven digs and three blocks. The senior successfully incorporated all of the offensive options at his disposal as three different teammates finished with five or more kills.

Senior Elijah Egalite had a team-high seven kills with five digs. Bargielski added six kills and five blocks as he got the upper hand in his matchup with Memorial middle Danny Baez. Kucza had five kills and four digs and Hojairy Peralta chipped in with three kills.

"All the seniors knew we had to step up this year and we had to win it. All of the underclassmen really stepped up and we appreciate everything that they did," Kucza said. "Without them we wouldn't be here right now winning this. It's not one person that can win this."

Elicio Olivares led Memorial with seven kills and six digs. Kristian Gutierrez had six blocks and three kills. Inolis Santana had five digs and Baez added four blocks.

Both teams now move on to the state tournament which starts next week and for Bayonne, the top seed in the upcoming North 2 section, a shot at another goal which the group has come tantalizing close to in recent years.

"They had some unfinished business to do and they're still not finished," Longo said "They took care of things today, they were very focused, they've worked hard all season long. It was the climax today, at least for the county. They really want to make a statement in the states."

Memorial's Ennis Salan (left) hits over the defense of Bayonne's Hojairy Peralta. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Bayonne vs Memorial Boys Volleyball Photo Gallery